Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pot chicken pumpkin curry that combines tender chicken thighs with warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and a touch of heat. Perfect for cozy meals, this dish is made by sautéing chicken and aromatics, then simmering with pumpkin and chicken stock to create a rich and hearty curry.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 21 oz Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1 Red Onion, minced
- 2 cloves Garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon Ground Fresh Turmeric
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
- 2 teaspoons Ground Coriander Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Sambal Oelek
- 14.1 oz Pumpkin, cubed
- 1.6 cups Chicken Stock
- 1 bunch Fresh Coriander Leaves, chopped
- 0.25 cups Coconut Cream or Regular Heavy Cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, warm about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the chicken.
- Brown the chicken: Add half of the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, locking in flavor and moisture.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced red onion and crushed garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add spices: Lower the heat and stir in ground fresh turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook while stirring for 2-3 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.
- Incorporate sambal oelek: Stir in the sambal oelek chili paste and cook for about 20 seconds to add heat and saltiness.
- Simmer with pumpkin and stock: Return the browned chicken to the skillet along with the cubed pumpkin and chicken stock. Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pumpkin is tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the curry and adjust seasoning as needed with salt or additional sambal oelek.
- Finish with herbs and cream: Stir in the chopped fresh coriander leaves and coconut cream or heavy cream if using, to add freshness and creaminess to the curry.
Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor over chicken breasts.
- Adjust sambal oelek quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Coconut cream adds a rich, dairy-free creaminess; heavy cream can be used as an alternative.
- Simmering covered helps the pumpkin cook evenly and the flavors meld well.
- Serve the curry over steamed rice or with flatbreads for a complete meal.
